Perimenopause isn’t a sudden switch, it’s a gradual shift that can begin years before most women realize what’s happening. I sit down with Dr. Amy Shah, double board certified MD and nutrition expert, to unpack what perimenopause actually is, why women’s symptoms have historically been misunderstood in medicine, and how to feel empowered instead of blindsided during this transition. Together, we reframe this season of life as an opportunity to build strength, resilience, and long term health from the inside out.Key Topics Covered:The 7 to 10 year hormonal transition and how it unfolds over time.Why women have been underrepresented in medical research.Cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone explained in simple terms.Early signs that signal shifting hormones.The gut hormone brain connection and why the gut acts as a control center.How nutritional needs evolve in your late 30s and 40s.Intermittent fasting for women and what to consider.Why prioritizing protein, fiber, and probiotics matters.Using food to build strength rather than shrink your body.Questions to ask when searching for a supportive healthcare provider.Dr. Amy Shah’s Book, Hormone Havoc: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/hormone-havoc-amy-shah-md?variant=43869469081634 Follow Dr. Amy Shah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramyshah/Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com/Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a litt

Attachment isn’t just a parenting buzzword. It’s the invisible thread that shapes how we connect, love, and feel safe for the rest of our lives. In this powerful conversation, therapist, author, and the face behind @attachmentnerd, Eli Harwood brings nearly two decades of clinical experience to unpack what attachment really means, why secure relationships matter far beyond childhood, and how parents can intentionally build safety and trust with their children. From understanding the different attachment styles to exploring whether healing your own wounds can truly impact your parenting, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical tools. Eli also shares four realistic ways to foster secure relationships at home and a simple but transformative activity that helps children feel safe bringing any topic to their parents.Key Topics Covered:What attachment is and why humans are wired for connection.The different attachment categories and how caregiver reliability shapes them.Why attachment styles are flexible and can evolve over time.How to identify your own attachment style and recognize patterns in your child.The pressure to “break cycles” and how that mindset impacts today’s parents.Whether healing your past can influence your child’s sense of security.What reflective function is and why it matters.A nuanced conversation around sleep training and attachment.Four attainable strategies to strengthen connection at home.A practical communication exercise to help kids feel safe opening up.Follow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/Follow Eli on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attachmentnerdVisit Eli’s Website: https://www.attachmentnerd.com/Eli’s Adult Journal: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/securely-attached-workbookRaising Securely Attached Kids: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/raising-securely-attached-kidsThe Mother/Daughter Journal - Uniquely Us: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/uniquely-us-mother-daughter-journalHow to Deal with Your BEEP! So Your Kids Don’t Have To: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/how-to-dealLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence'>

This episode is a fun, rapid fire hot takes roundup straight from my Instagram community, where nothing was off limits and everything from jorts to uninviting kids from weddings made the list. Pineapple on pizza? Pickle potato chips? Taking three kids anywhere in public? We’re covering it all.I share how my perspective has shifted from first time mom to third time mom and how experience has softened some of my rigid thinking. We talk shared bank accounts, who gets up in the middle of the night, in law dynamics, co-sleeping, mommy wine culture, intimacy after kids, and whether no gift birthday parties are actually a gift to parents. I also weigh in on helmets and torticollis, and one of those is absolutely not something to ignore. This conversation is lighthearted and honest, but also a reminder that most things in motherhood are nuanced and confidence often comes with time, growth, and doing what truly works for your family.Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Alyssa Campbell joins More than Milestones to dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of child development: ages 5 to 12. With a master’s degree in early childhood education, research experience in emotional development, and as the founder of Seed and Sew and a two-time bestselling author, Alyssa helps parents understand why big emotions in big kids are not something to fix, but information to listen to. We explore how emotional and social development shows up differently in school-aged kids compared to toddlers, why connection is the foundation for everything, and how parents can stay close even as peer influence grows. This conversation offers practical insight for navigating big feelings, conflict, honesty, and tough topics with confidence and compassion.Key Topics CoveredWhy ages 5 to 12 are a critical and often overlooked stage of emotional developmentHow big emotions show up differently in school-aged kids versus toddlersWhy big emotions are not a phase, but important informationThe nine senses and how they influence emotional regulation in kidsHow to identify what triggers your individual child and what they truly needStaying connected as kids start prioritizing peer relationshipsHow to repair after missteps in connection with your childTalking to kids about puberty, sex, drugs, and peer pressure earlier than expectedWhy lying can be developmentally appropriate at this age and how to respondNavigating conflict between kids and knowing when to step in versus step backFollow Alyssa on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/Alyssa’s Website: https://www.seedandsew.org/aboutFree Questionnaire: https://regulationroadmap.softr.app/Get Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/Tiny-Humans-Big-Emotions-bookGet Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/big-kids-bigger-feelings-bookLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097 Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

If you’ve ever felt like your partner turned into a roommate after kids, this conversation is for you. I'm joined by the one and only Vanessa and Xander Marin. Vanessa is a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in sex therapy, and Xander left his career at Google to focus on helping couples talk openly about sex. In this episode, we dive into the “roommate phase,” the bristle reaction, and what it really looks like to reconnect sexually after kids. Vanessa and Xander normalize the fact that every couple struggles with intimacy, from mismatched sex drives to communication breakdowns and share practical, realistic tools to help partners feel less alone and more connected. Key Topics CoveredWhy intimacy shifts for every coupleThe “roommate phase” and how couples driftPreparing for how parenthood impacts your sex lifeMom mode → me mode → we mode, and why transition time matters after birthMental desire vs. physical arousal, including responsive desireHow to communicate needs and invite reconnection without rejectionWhy sex shouldn’t feel like a chore—and how to rebuild real connectionFollow Vanessa + Xander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaandxander/Visit Vanessa + Xander’s Website: vmtherapy.comTheir Book; Sex Talks: https://sextalksbook.com/Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Ruth Whippman, author and journalist,  joins us today to unpack America’s obsession with happiness, the loneliness baked into modern motherhood, and what it looks like to raise boys in today’s complicated cultural landscape. Drawing from her books BOY MOM and America the Anxious, Ruth shares why the way we pursue happiness often backfires, how isolation impacts parents, and the contradictory messages boys receive about masculinity, emotion, and identity. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and deeply relevant for anyone raising sons or simply trying to parent with more clarity and compassion.Topics we cover:America’s happiness obsession and why it often leads to more anxiety.Loneliness in motherhood and why we were never meant to parent alone.Contemporary boyhood and the conflicting messages boys receive about masculinity.Anxiety, gender roles, and the psychological impact of labeling boys as “toxic”.How early messaging shapes boys’ emotional development.Roughhousing, nurturing, and the unique role of fathers.Nature vs. nurture when raising emotionally intelligent boys.Screen time, sports overload, and the importance of unstructured play.Follow Ruth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/Subscribe to Ruth’s Substack: https://substack.com/@ruthwhippmanVisit Ruth’s Website: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/Get Your Copy of BOY MOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/boy-mom-reimagining-boyhoodGet Your Copy of America the Anxious - Why Our Search for Happiness Is Driving Us Crazy and How to Find It for Real: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/america-the-anxious-bookLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com

Motherhood doesn’t usually need another to-do list, it needs support that actually shows up in real life. Today I’m joined by Sharon Pope, founder of Shelpful, an AI-powered task manager created to help moms reduce mental load and make everyday life feel more manageable.Sharon, a mom of two, built Shelpful out of her own experience returning to work after maternity leave and realizing she was excelling everywhere except in caring for herself. What she wanted was simple reminders for the small things like drinking water or taking a pause so she created the tool she wished she’d had.We talk about why overwhelm is so common in motherhood and how tiny habits can create momentum, reduce decision fatigue, and make follow-through feel easier. Sharon also shares why celebrating small wins matters and how involving your kids in your routines can help model healthy habits while making them part of the process.You’ll hear real-life examples of how automation has simplified Sharon’s life, from never missing important emails to remembering preschool sign-ins. She also shares an underutilized app that’s already on your phone and surprisingly powerful, even if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. Plus, hear her hot take on “eat the frog” and the habit approach her ADHD brain actually prefers.Sharon’s Workshop: https://stan.store/shelpful/p/replay-automate-your-lifeFollow Shelpful on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelpful/Find Shelpful in the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shelpful-ai-for-adhd-tasks/id6741499362Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Winter sniffles don’t have to send you spiraling especially when you know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call for help. In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Dr. Anjuli Gans, board-certified pediatrician at CHOP and the voice behind @resilientrascals, to walk us through navigating winter illnesses with newborns and young kids with more confidence and less fear.We cover how to prepare if you’re expecting a winter baby, RSV protection, the best way to take your child’s temperature, and clear signs it’s time to loop in your pediatrician. Dr. Anjuli breaks down common illnesses like stomach bugs, RSV, and croup, including what to have on hand at home, how and when to rehydrate, and which symptoms actually matter most. She also debunks common croup myths and explains the difference between typical, recurrent, and atypical croup. This conversation is packed with practical reassurance you’ll want to bookmark for sick season.Follow Dr. Anjuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientrascals/Visit Dr. Anjuli’s Website: https://www.resilientrascals.com/Dr. Anjuli’s Guides: https://www.resilientrascals.com/guidesLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

This episode is a little different. After sharing my 2025 reflections on Substack and intentionally celebrating the small wins I usually overlook, I felt a shift in how I wanted to approach the year ahead. That reflection led me to move away from a traditional vision board and toward something that feels more grounded and sustainable: a becoming board. In this episode, I walk you through how I set my intentions for 2026 and why focusing on who I’m becoming feels more aligned than focusing on what I want to achieve.We explore the idea of honoring natural seasons instead of forcing progress on an arbitrary calendar. I even share a surprising historical lesson about when the new year used to begin and why January 1st became the default. That discovery led me to rethink how I want to use the first few months of the year, which is why I’m focusing on what I’m calling “ministones” from January through March as a way to prepare for the bigger milestones I want to reach later in 2026.In this episode, I guide you through the exact exercise I used so you can try it for yourself. I reflect on 2025, explain why I’m treating 2026 as a season rather than a checklist, and share the core intentions I’m carrying with me into this year. I also talk about the power of visual reminders, a quote that created a major mindset shift for me, and an evidence-based reel from a behavior change expert that helped everything click. I’ve never felt this energized stepping into a new year, and my hope is that this episode helps you find a more intentional way forward too.Follow Karin on Instagram: @karinnordinphd: https://www.instagram.com/karinnordinphd/Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Brittany Brady is a school social worker with over a decade of experience and the founder of Bright Starts Co. Through her work in schools, Brittany noticed that many children were entering classrooms academically ready, but struggling emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. That insight led her to focus on what truly supports school readiness: strong routines, emotional regulation, independence, and confidence built at home.In this episode, Brittany helps us understand why kids experience frequent meltdowns and what’s really happening beneath the surface. She explains the power of pausing as a parent instead of reacting, how parenting scripts can support regulation, and what restraint collapse is, including what it looks like after a long school day. Brittany also shares simple, low-effort strategies families can use to minimize restraint collapse and help children feel safer and more secure through consistent routines.We wrap up the conversation by exploring how to help children feel seen and heard, along with practical questions parents can ask after school that go beyond the usual one-word responses. This episode is full of realistic, high-impact ideas you can implement without adding more to your already full plate.Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightstartsco?igsh=eDF0dWR3ZnFzaHd1Visit Brittany’s Website: https://www.brightstartsco.com/storeLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode of More than Milestones, I sit down with Becki Westover, a certified orthotist with Bloom Kids who has over 20 years of experience working with infants and families. Becki explains what a certified orthotist does and why helmet therapy can feel confusing or controversial for parents.We talk through common concerns about infant helmets, including weight, size, comfort, and whether helmets interfere with development. Becki clears up misconceptions by explaining how helmets are designed, what they’re made of, and how they support natural head growth rather than forcing change.The conversation also covers the most common types of head flattening, why cases seem to be on the rise, the impact of the Back to Sleep campaign on tummy time, and the connection between torticollis, IVF pregnancies, and head shape differences. Becki shares when helmet therapy is most effective, why some families are referred to neurosurgery first, and how parents can approach these referrals with more confidence and less fear.Follow Becki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckiatbloom/Visit Becki’s Website: www.bloomkidsorthotics.comLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comGo deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Today I’m joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta, founder of Hey Sleepy Baby, for an honest look at what’s normal when it comes to baby sleep. Rachael started Hey Sleepy Baby in 2020 when she was newly postpartum with her second baby, and now as a mom of three, she has become a trusted voice for parents who want an alternative to sleep training.We talk about why sleep training doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing decision. After several personal failed sleep training attempts at four months old with her own child, she  accepted that she’d just respond to him when he needed her. A few months later, he slept through the night on his own. No program, no pressure—just development and biology doing what they’re supposed to do.Rachael explains why babies are meant to wake throughout the night and how none of us truly sleep in uninterrupted stretches. She also shares how the lack of maternity leave in the U.S. pushes so many parents toward sleep training sooner than they might naturally choose. We dig into the myth of self-soothing and how temperament plays a  role in whether a baby can fall back asleep independently. We also get into the fears around attachment and why the more important question is how different approaches impact a child’s stress response rather than whether sleep training is inherently right or wrong.Rachael’s Podcast Episode with Tracy Cassels on Sleep Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-83-what-does-research-say-about-sleep-training/id1704569686?i=1000702040625Rachael’s Free Guide on Better Sleep without Sleep Training: https://heysleepybaby.com/freebie-no-sleep-trainingFollow Rachael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysleepybaby/Rachael’s Website: https://heysleepybaby.com/Links & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.'>

Trigger warning: I share traumatic details of my birth story. If you’re heading into your own birth, you may want to skip parts of this episode.I’ve been nervous to record this because these stories still feel so close. After my conversation with Illiyin Morrison in Episode 15, I finally felt permission to stop minimizing what I went through and to share the births that shaped me and my postpartum experiences.I start with Aud’s story. I had gestational hypertension with all three pregnancies, so I was induced at 37 weeks. Labor was long and slow, and once my water broke, the Pitocin hit hard. When it came time to push, everything changed. Audrey became stuck & had shoulder dystocia. My OB hit the emergency button the moment she was born, and the room filled instantly. I then began to hemorrhage, and everything went blurry fast.I woke up hours later without my baby and with no idea where she was. The NICU was closed, so I couldn’t see her. Those hours were some of the darkest of my life, and I’m certain that moment was the beginning of my postpartum anxiety. When Audrey turned one, we got pregnant with Liv. Because of the shoulder dystocia, a C-section was always on the table, but my OB encouraged me to try for another vaginal birth. Liv’s birth became the healing experience I desperately needed. It helped rebuild trust in my body after so much fear and trauma.Toward the end of the episode, I share a story I’ve never talked about publicly — one that brings up big emotions. Each of my births was different, challenging, and beautiful in its own way. Links & ResourcesLMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Perinatal trauma expert and midwife Illiyin Morrison joins me to talk about what birth trauma really is and how we can begin to make sense of our own stories. After her own difficult birth, Illiyin created a framework that helps mothers understand what happened during their birth experience, why they responded the way they did, and how to move forward with clarity and compassion. Her work now includes remote birth debriefs, her book The Birth Debrief, and a podcast by the same name.We explore how trauma is an internal response to an external moment and why so many women don’t process what happened until long after the newborn stage. Illiyin shares how informed consent, communication, and understanding your options can shift the entire birth experience. She also explains how postpartum depression and anxiety can show up not only as disconnection, but as hypervigilance.We discuss the tender decision of whether to try for another baby after a traumatic birth and the importance of giving yourself time to heal between pregnancies. And for the mothers who know something feels off but feel too overwhelmed to address it, Illiyin offers a comforting first step: simply acknowledging aloud that something is going on is meaningful. Every mother deserves support, understanding, and space to process both the hard moments and the good ones too.Links & ResourcesFollow Illiyin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illiyinmorrison/Get your copy of Illiyin’s Book; The Birth Debrief: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/the-birth-debriefListen to The Birth Debrief Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-birth-debrief-the-podcast/id1705643396Illiyin’s Services: https://mixingupmotherhood.com/💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

Why do we hammer with a hammer, rake with a rake, but sweep with a broom? This viral TikTok question sparked today’s conversation—a replay of my interview on Miss Beth’s podcast, The Play on Words Podcast. If you’ve ever wondered why English feels impossible to decode, this episode will give you clarity you can use with your child right away. Miss Beth breaks down why English spelling is so inconsistent, using her favorite example: the word “healthy.” Since the root word is “heal,” the spelling stays the same—even though the pronunciation shifts. We explore why the word “Pacific” contains three different sounds for the letter C, whether we’ve all been mispronouncing “longevity,” and why we drink a drink but definitely don’t “food a food.” Miss Beth also confirms that struggling with reading out loud in school doesn’t mean anything about your reading ability.We’re already planning a part two, so start sending in the words that confuse you most. Whether it’s the spelling, the meaning, or the pronunciation, we’ll break it down and help make English make sense—one word at a time.Links & ResourcesBeth’s website: https://www.bigcityreaders.com/Follow Beth on Instagram @bigcityreaders: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/Beth’s FREE Workshop for Kinder - 2nd Grade Parents: https://my.demio.com/ref/NdBsEKF5wWoY4TbsLMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

If the thought of “kindergarten readiness” has you spiraling, this episode is going to be a breath of fresh air. Today I’m joined by Beth Gaskill, better known as Miss Beth of @bigcityreaders, a former teacher turned literacy specialist who’s changing the way parents think about reading.Beth breaks down why we’re putting way too much pressure on ourselves when it comes to kids starting school—and what’s really going on inside kindergarten classrooms across the U.S. From the lack of regulation to teachers paying out of pocket for literacy training, she’s not afraid to call it like it is.We also get into some of the most common questions parents have about reading: whether we’re pushing kids to read too soon, if sight words are really necessary, and what the “science of reading” actually means. Beth shares what to look for in your child’s reading curriculum and why third grade is such a crucial turning point for reading development.She leaves us with one powerful piece of advice for raising readers: let your kids see you reading. Beth’s website: https://www.bigcityreaders.com/Follow Beth on Instagram @bigcityreaders: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/Beth’s FREE Workshop for Kinder - 2nd Grade Parents: https://my.demio.com/ref/NdBsEKF5wWoY4TbsLinksA list of KC's favorite children's books: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/childrens-booksBook that KC’s Mom wrote, Grandpa’s Garden: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/yUsgoLMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere els

Today, I’m joined by my closest social media friend, Amy Kiefer. Amy is the co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, a pregnancy and postpartum workout app she runs with her sister, Krystle. She also co-hosts the HERself Podcast, and her online journey began through @ameskiefer, where our friendship started. She’s now sharing her dream home journey at @athomewithameskiefer, and we dive into all the things — motherhood, social media, and growing through every stage.This episode isn’t an interview — it’s a real chat between two friends. We share how our friendship began online and how it’s grown. Amy opens up about supporting me through my hardest postpartum chapter, and we talk about the bitter sweetness of leaving the little kid years behind while finding joy in watching our kids grow.We also get real about social media & the influencer world. Amy shares how she’s learned to handle criticism, reframe negativity, and protect her energy. Her perspective on mean comments will shift the way you think about showing up publicly. Amy shares why genuine friendships matter more than follower counts. She also shares what most people get wrong about influencers — and yes, it involves money.Whether you’re in the baby years, growing alongside your kids, or navigating friendships and social media, this one will leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little lighter.Follow Amy on her personal page: https://www.instagram.com/ameskiefer/Expecting and Empowered: https://www.expectingandempowered.com/Listen to the HERself Podcast: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/LinksLMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comGo deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

Today we’re joined by Dr. Morgan Cutlip — relationship expert, psychologist, and author of How to Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and A Better Share. We’re talking about the invisible weight of motherhood: the mental load.Dr. Morgan breaks down what the mental load really means and why one of the hardest parts is explaining it. She shares how to get on the same page with your partner without turning it into a fight, and how to visualize the load so it’s easier to communicate.We discuss why this burden often falls on women and how to build natural check-ins with your partner as life changes — because the load shifts every day. Dr. Morgan also shares what women want most: partners who anticipate needs and show appreciation, and how to invite that change without resentment.We wrap up with a conversation about mom guilt, the slow erosion that can happen in relationships, and how to stay connected through the chaos. Dr. Morgan reminds us that it’s okay to take the moment you need — because knowing and asking for what you need is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and your family.Follow Dr. Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmorgancutlip/Dr. Morgan’s Website: https://drmorgancutlip.com/A Better Share: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/a-better-shareHow to Love Your Kids without Losing Yourself: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/love-your-kids-without-losing-yourselfThe Brief: A No BS Guide to the Mental Load for Men: https://drmorgancutlip.com/the-briefLinks💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

This episode is a raw one for me. It came out of the blue, right in the middle of an overwhelming season. There’s been a lot happening personally and medically within my family, and when that happens, I tend to put my head down and just get through it without really processing what’s going on.After a long, exhausting day, I was putting the kids to bed and completely lost it. I yelled, felt terrible, apologized, and cried. It hit me—this is restraint collapse. We talk about it with kids; they hold it together all day and then fall apart at home. But sitting there in tears, I realized I was experiencing the adult version.All day, I can show up for clients, for work, and on social media. But when I walk through the door, my patience and energy are gone. The guilt that comes with realizing I can give my best to others but not always to my family—it’s heavy. That moment was a wake-up call.I talked with my kids about creating a safe word they can use when they notice I’m not being my best self. I’ve been working on supporting myself better—prioritizing movement, validating my feelings, being honest with Jay, gratitude journaling, cutting screen time, using noise-canceling headphones, and giving myself a short transition period when we all get home.We talk a lot about helping kids cope with restraint collapse, but not what it looks like for us. Hard seasons will always come, but how we care for ourselves can change. My hope is that this episode reminds you to take a step back, give yourself grace, and focus on the small things that help you breathe again. This season won’t last forever.Links:LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Welcome back to part two of our conversation with speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding expert Bri Miluk (@pediatricfeedingslp), we’re diving into one of the most important topics for parents today—misinformation and pseudoscience on social media. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to go back to hear our discussion on primitive reflexes and why they matter.In this episode, we talk about how parents can confidently navigate the minefield of social media and spot misleading or pseudoscientific claims. Bri shares practical tools for identifying red flags like unfalsifiable claims, exaggerated proof statements, emotional testimonials, cherry-picked studies, and overly technical “technobabble”.We also dig into the world of dark marketing tactics—how trauma-based storytelling and hidden pricing strategies can be used to manipulate parents’ emotions and influence their decisions. These methods often prey on fear, guilt, and trust, making it harder to recognize when information is misleading.Bri introduces a simple but powerful framework created by Dr. Jessica Stokes-Parish called CRABS, which stands for conflicts of interest, references, author, buzzwords, and scope of practice. This quick mental checklist helps you pause and evaluate what you’re seeing online before believing it.We wrap up by exploring the issue of predatory journals—what they are, how people can pay to get published, and why not all research is created equal. Bri offers examples of how to verify if a study is credible and how to protect yourself from impressive-sounding but unreliable “science.”Connect with Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricfeedingslpBri’s Podcast Episode with Dr. Jessica Stokes-Parish on the CRABS Framework: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4eSwFr0tpUPG21Z6UQHjOD?si=k5jzl0DaQ8O8KBiBTexcRA&nd=1&dlsi=9bb41e6995b7466dLinks💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

Today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood & controversial topics circulating on social media right now — primitive reflexes. I’m joined by Bri Miluk, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in infant and medically complex feeding and is the face behind @pediatricfeedingslp.In this first episode of our two-part conversation, Bri and I unpack what primitive reflexes actually are, what purpose they serve, and why there’s so much misinformation online about them.We start by defining primitive reflexes — are they real? What role do they play in your baby’s early development? We’ll talk through common reflexes you’ve probably noticed, how they support survival at birth, and how they naturally integrate as your baby grows.Bri and I also explore what happens when these reflexes don’t integrate or fail to emerge, and what that might mean for your child’s development. We discuss why parents should be cautious when it comes to “retained primitive reflex” content on social media, especially when it comes to testing and treatment claims that aren’t supported by research.Bri shares her expert insight on the risks of non-evidence-based interventions, how to assess whether a treatment plan is legitimate, and the importance of task-specific, functional movement when supporting your child’s development.If you’ve ever come across posts claiming your child’s challenges are due to “retained primitive reflexes,” this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface — and empower you to ask the right questions before pursuing any intervention.Connect with Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricfeedingslpLinks💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a complex mix of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness that so many parents and professionals silently struggle with. In this episode of More than Milestones, KC Rickerd sits down with Nina Nesdoly, a stress management speaker, researcher, and PhD candidate studying stress at work, to unpack what burnout really means and how we can build resilience in both ourselves and our children.Nina shares her personal journey into neuroscience and stress research, including the life-altering experience that led her to dedicate her career to helping people create sustainable, joy-filled lives. Together, KC and Nina explore practical questions like: How do we know when stress has tipped into burnout? Can work-life balance truly exist for parents? And how can small, realistic acts of self-care prevent us from burning out completely?This conversation also dives into the role of resilience—what it means biologically, how too much or too little adversity shapes it, and how we as parents can foster resilience in our kids. From navigating parenting during COVID to handling children’s big emotions, Nina shares strategies that can help families manage stress in healthier, more connected ways.If you’ve ever wondered how burnout impacts parenting, why your emotional state affects your kids, or how to reframe self-care without guilt, this episode is packed with science, insights, and encouragement you won’t want to miss.Nina’s Burnout 101 Ebook : https://www.ninanesdoly.com/burnout-101-ebookNina’s Burnout Toolkit Assessment: https://www.ninanesdoly.com/burnout-assessmentFollow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninanesdoly/Follow Nina on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninanesdolyFollow Nina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-nesdoly/Nina’s Website: https://www.ninanesdoly.com/LinksGo deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds:'>

Burnout has been a part of my motherhood journey in ways I never expected. For most of my life, I had systems and methods that helped me succeed — whether it was in school, work, or personal goals. But once I started adding more and more to my plate — a job, a house, a partner, kids — those methods stopped working the way they used to. Suddenly, what had always kept me afloat wasn’t enough anymore.I used to think burnout meant shutting down completely, being unable to function, or feeling constant exhaustion. But I quickly learned that burnout looks different for everyone. For me, it showed up as irritability, mood swings, brain fog, and the kind of overstimulation that left me frustrated with the people I love most. At the same time, I could still show up for my kids — making sure they had three meals a day and healthy snacks — while completely neglecting myself. There were so many days I’d get to 9 p.m. and realize all I’d eaten was a scrap of avocado leftover from my child’s baby-led weaning meal.In this episode, I share the real ways burnout has surfaced in my motherhood journey, from the moments of frustration where I needed Jay to literally squeeze me to calm down, to the deeper realization that self-care can’t come last if I want to show up well for my family. Burnout is something almost every parent will face at some point, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck there. I’ll talk about what has helped me and how you can begin recognizing burnout in your own life too.This conversation is a lead-in to next week’s episode, where I’ll be joined by an expert who shares practical strategies for managing burnout in parenthood.LinksJust Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestonesLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍

Too often, women walk into pregnancy and postpartum without the tools and education they deserve. In this episode, KC is joined by Krystle Howald and Amy Kiefer, founders of Expecting and Empowered, to share how they’re changing the conversation around women’s health.Together, they dive into the importance of pelvic floor therapy, the differences between C-section and vaginal delivery recovery, and why preventative care is essential for every mom. Krystle and Amy highlight the distinction between what’s common and what’s actually normal postpartum, and they emphasize the role of strength training and self-care in protecting long-term health.This conversation is both empowering and practical, offering insight into how moms can adapt movement to fit their busy schedules, advocate for themselves in the healthcare system, and lean on community support during one of the most transformative seasons of life.Follow Expecting and Empowered on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/expectingandempowered/Expecting and Empowered’s Website:https://www.expectingandempowered.com/. Use the code ‘KC10’ for a discount.Listen to the Expecting and Empowered Podcast:https://www.expectingandempowered.com/podcastSponsorsLMNT:  Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. LinksJust Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.com Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd opens up about her personal journey of regaining fitness and prioritizing well-being after becoming a mom. She shares the real challenges of balancing exercise with the demands of parenting and why mental health plays such a vital role in the process. KC reflects on how her perspective on fitness has shifted from focusing on aesthetics to embracing overall health, strength, and self-care.KC highlights the importance of giving yourself grace, creating consistency through small and manageable workouts, and recognizing that every season of life brings new fitness needs and goals. She also emphasizes the powerful impact of involving children in exercise—not just for their development, but as a way to model healthy habits that will last a lifetime.If you’ve ever struggled to prioritize self-care after motherhood or wondered how to reconnect with your fitness in a way that supports both your mental health and your family life, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to take the next step in your own journey.SponsorsLMNT:  Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/MILESTONE. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. LinksJust Ingredients: listeners can save 10% with code MILESTONES.https://just.crrnt.app/6_-Qo5A0💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd is joined by Kate Borsato, a mental health therapist specializing in motherhood and perinatal care. Together, they dive deep into the realities of postpartum mental health, shedding light on experiences that often go unspoken—postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and even postpartum rage.Kate shares her expertise on how to distinguish between the “normal” worries of motherhood and anxiety that disrupts daily life. She and KC discuss how shame keeps many moms silent, why finding a specialist in perinatal mental health therapy can be life-changing, and the ways unmet needs and expectations contribute to feelings of rage in motherhood.The conversation also explores identity loss after becoming a mother, and the intentional effort it takes to reclaim joy, self-care, and a sense of self beyond parenting. Kate offers practical strategies for anxiety management, including mindfulness practices, reducing sensory stimulation, and small daily acts of self-care that remind moms of their worth.This conversation is an honest, compassionate look at the challenges so many mothers face but rarely talk about. Whether you’re navigating postpartum mental health yourself or supporting someone who is, KC and Kate offer insights, validation, and tangible tools to help mothers feel less alone.Follow Kate on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateborsato/The Calm Mom Course:https://kateborsato.com/thecalmmomFollow The Perinatal Collective on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theperinatalcollective/Rage Becomes Her:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501189565/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_VXB8CX58SYHN7AR8QM3F?linkCode=ml1&tag=themovemmom-20&linkId=382049ae66a1ab1b10ac20ea80f8f3f4Mom Rage:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1541601300/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_WP1BWM8QHQ4KQA7102QP?linkCode=ml1&tag=themovemmom-20&linkId=31e76b255414d09adeebb2c36620cf36Links💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidence:https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode of More than Milestones, host KC Rickerd opens up about her deeply personal journey through postpartum anxiety and the realities of maternal mental health. From the moment of childbirth to finally seeking help, KC shares the raw and honest truth about what it’s like to navigate intrusive thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and the unexpected challenges of early motherhood.She reflects on how her birth experience shaped her mental health, the role of an eventual ADHD diagnosis, and the power of finding the right support systems and therapy. KC also touches on the guilt many mothers feel when prioritizing self-care, and why it’s so important to talk openly about these struggles.This conversation is for every mom who has ever felt isolated, anxious, or unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal.” KC’s vulnerability offers both validation and encouragement, reminding us that healing is possible and that no mother should feel alone in her journey.If you’re walking through postpartum struggles or supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder that there is help, there is hope, and there is healing.Tune in now to hear KC’s story and join the conversation on motherhood, mental health, and the milestones in between.LinksPostpartum Support International - Online Provider Directory:https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Welcome to the very first episode of More than Milestones! In this debut conversation, host KC Rickerd introduces herself, sharing her story as a pediatric physical therapist, mom of three, and advocate for caregivers navigating child development.KC opens up about how her journey was shaped by her own mother’s career, her transition from a physical therapist assistant to a Doctor of physical therapy & pediatric specialist, and her shift into early intervention services. She reflects on the challenges of adapting therapy to telehealth during the pandemic and how that season inspired her to build a supportive community for parents & caregivers on Instagram.But KC’s story isn’t just about milestones—it’s about real-life motherhood, marriage after kids, navigating mental health struggles and diagnoses, the pressure of showing up authentically on social media, and everything in between. Through More than Milestones, she’s creating a space where parents and professionals can come together, share honest stories, and learn practical tools for supporting children’s growth and development.Whether you’re a parent looking for child development resources, navigating early intervention, or simply craving community in your motherhood journey, this podcast is for you.Be sure to subscribe to More than Milestones wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss the upcoming episodes packed with insights, encouragement, and conversations about parenting beyond the typical milestones.Links💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milestones.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🆓 Get my free tummy time training: Mastering Milestones with Confidencehttps://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/freetraining📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🛒 Shop KC’s favorite mom & baby finds: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amazon/amazonstorefrontmm🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at podcast@milestonesandmotherhood.comLove what you’re hearing? Follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or caregiver who needs a little less pressure and a little more support. 🤍This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Hosted by pediatric physical therapist, wife and mom of three, Dr. KC Rickerd, More Than Milestones is the podcast that goes beyond baby checklists and dives deep into real motherhood, real development, real relationships, and everything in between.Whether you’re supporting your baby’s motor development, navigating big kid emotions, or navigating a new stage of life & parenting, this show blends expert-backed education with the honest, unfiltered reality of motherhood.Each week, KC brings you conversations with trusted professionals—pediatricians, therapists, sleep and feeding experts, mental health pros, and more—plus raw, relatable stories from fellow moms and caregivers. No pressure to be perfect. Just honest conversations, support, humor, and community for the journey you’re on.If you're looking for clarity, connection, and a reminder that while supporting our children’s development is important, so is supporting ourselves - you’re in the right place, because it’s always more than milestones.